Stackable sleds for storing electronic devices

ABSTRACT

Described herein is a first system that includes sleds each having sidewalls, a mounting plate, and a first cover. The first cover is movable relative to the sidewalls between a closed position and an open position. The first cover includes at least one first opening. The system additionally includes at least one data storage device fixed to each mounting plate. A first air gap is defined between the at least one data storage device and the mounting plate, and a second air gap is defined between the at least one data storage device and the at least one first opening of the first cover. The sleds are stacked together such that the first covers of adjacent sleds are directly adjacent each other, and the at least one first opening of the first cover of one sled at least partially overlaps the at least one first opening of an adjacent sled.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/189,921, filed Jun. 22, 2016, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to apparatuses for storing datastorage devices, and more particularly to stackable sleds each storingdata storage devices.

BACKGROUND

Electronic devices, such as electronic data storage devices, includinghard disk drives, are commonly used for storing and retrieving digitalinformation. Electronic devices are often mounted in a vertically orhorizontally stacked array within a structure or cage. For example, ahard disk drive sled may house a plurality of individually-connectedhard disk drives. Such a hard disk drive sled allows removal andreplacement of an individual hard disk drive within the sled withoutdisrupting the other hard disk drives within the sled.

In a hard disk drive sled, each hard disk drive may be connected to anelectrical connector (such as a Serial Attached SCSI (Small ComputerSystem Interface) (SAS) connector) within the sled. The electricalconnector can then be operatively coupled to a printed circuit boardwithin the sled. A hard disk drive sled promotes the protection of theelectrical connector and printed circuit board, as well as the hard diskdrives, during the use, removal, and replacement of the hard diskdrives. In this manner, the performance and reliability of the hard diskdrives can be maintained.

Heat management, including heat dissipation, for electronic data storagedevices, such as hard disk drives, in a sled can be difficult. Hard diskdrives generate heat during operation. To maintain the operability(e.g., avoid overheating) of the hard disk drives, at least some portionof the heat generated by the hard disk drives should be dissipated fromthe hard disk drives into the environment. Due to small, restricted, andoften obstructed airflow passageways commonly associated with hard diskdrives tightly compacted together within the confined space of a sled,dissipating heat from operating hard disk drives in a sled ischallenging. For example, some sleds include solid covers (e.g., coverswithout openings) covering the top and bottom of the sled. Accordingly,when such sleds are stacked on top of each other, a gap is definedbetween the covers that air may pass through, but does not contribute tocooling the electronic data storage devices stored in the sleds.

SUMMARY

The subject matter of the present application has been developed inresponse to the present state of the art, and in particular, in responseto the shortcomings of electronic device sleds, that have not yet beenfully solved by currently available techniques. For example, becauseconventional sleds have two solid covers without openings, the coversoccupy more space than covers with openings and occupy more space than asingle, solid, and middle-mounted mounting plate. Additionally, asmentioned above, the air gap between the solid covers of adjacentconventional sleds is not used for dissipating heat from the array ofelectronic data storage devices stored in the sleds. Furthermore,because a boundary layer is formed at each solid surface of a component,for a given flow gap, two solid covers each with two solid surfacesresults in a reduced flow compared to a single solid mounting plate withtwo solid surfaces. Accordingly, the subject matter of the presentapplication has been developed to provide a stackable sled configuration(e.g., with vertically stacked sleds, horizontally stacked sleds, orstacked in another orientation) that overcomes at least some of theabove-discussed shortcomings of prior art techniques by, in someembodiments, reducing obstructions to air flow, utilizing gaps betweenadjacent sleds for dissipating heat from electronic storage devices,and/or reducing boundary-layer inducing solid surfaces.

According to one embodiment, a first system includes sleds each havingsidewalls, a mounting plate, and a first cover. The sidewalls define aninterior space having a first open end. The mounting plate includesopposing first and second sides. Moreover, the mounting plate isnon-movably fixed relative to the sidewalls and positioned within theinterior space. The first cover is movable relative to the sidewallsbetween a closed position, at least partially covering the first openend, and an open position, uncovering the first open end. The firstcover includes at least one first opening. The system additionallyincludes at least one data storage device removably fixed to the firstside of each mounting plate of the sleds such that, for each sled, afirst air gap is defined between the at least one data storage deviceand the first side of the mounting plate, and a second air gap isdefined between the at least one data storage device and the at leastone first opening of the first cover. The sleds are stacked togethersuch that the first covers of adjacent sleds are directly adjacent eachother, and the at least one first opening of the first cover of one sledat least partially overlaps the at least one first opening of anadjacent sled.

In some implementations of the first system, the first cover includes atleast two first openings and a slat separating adjacent first openingsof the at least two first openings. The slats of the first covers ofadjacent sleds do not overlap each other. The first cover can include aplurality of first openings and a plurality of slats each separatingadjacent first openings of the plurality of first openings of the firstcover. The sleds can be stacked together such that the plurality ofslats of the first cover of one sled are staggered relative to theplurality of slats of the first cover of an adjacent sled.

According to some implementations of the first system, the interiorspace has a second open end, defined by the sidewalls, opposing andspaced apart from the first open end. The mounting plate is positionedbetween the first and second open ends of the interior space. Each sledfurther includes a second cover movable relative to the sidewallsbetween a closed position, at least partially covering the second openend, and an open position, uncovering the second open end, wherein thesecond cover comprises at least one second opening. At least one datastorage device is removably fixed to the second side of each mountingplate of the sleds such that for each sled, a third air gap is definedbetween the at least one data storage device and the second side of themounting plate, and a fourth air gap is defined between the at least onedata storage device and the at least one second opening of the secondcover. The sleds are stacked together such that the second covers ofadjacent sleds are directly adjacent each other, and the at least onesecond opening of the second cover of one sled at least partiallyoverlaps the at least one second opening of an adjacent sled. The secondcover can include at least two second openings and a slat separatingadjacent second openings of the at least two second openings. The slatsof the second covers of adjacent sleds do not overlap each other.

In certain implementations of the first system, the sleds are verticallystacked, and a plurality of data storage devices are removably fixed tothe first side of each mounting plate of the sleds. The plurality ofdata storage devices on the first side of each mounting plate arepositioned horizontally adjacent each other. The first cover may alsoinclude spaced-apart sides closed to and defining the at least one firstopening, and spaced-apart ends open to the at least one first opening.For each sled, a first unobstructed air flow channel, including thesecond air gaps, extends between the spaced-apart ends of the firstcover, inclusively. The sidewalls can include spaced-apart end wallssubstantially co-extensive with the spaced-apart ends of the first cover(the end walls each includes at least one third opening) and for eachsled, a second unobstructed air flow channel, including the first airgaps, extends between the third openings of the ends walls, inclusively.The interior space can have a second open end, defined by the sidewalls,opposing and spaced apart from the first open end. The mounting platecan be positioned between the first and second open ends of the interiorspace. Each sled may further include a second cover movable relative tothe sidewalls between a closed position, at least partially covering thesecond open end, and an open position, uncovering the second open end,wherein the second cover comprises at least one second opening. At leastone data storage device can be removably fixed to the second side ofeach mounting plate of the sleds such that for each sled, a third airgap is defined between the at least one data storage device and thesecond side of the mounting plate, and a fourth air gap is definedbetween the at least one data storage device and the at least one secondopening of the second cover. The sleds may be stacked together such thatthe second covers of adjacent sleds are directly adjacent each other,and each of the at least one second opening of the second cover of onesled at least partially overlaps the at least one second opening of anadjacent sled. The second cover can further include spaced-apart sidesclosed to and defining the at least one second opening and spaced-apartends open to the at least one second opening. For each sled, a thirdunobstructed air flow channel, including the third air gaps, extendsbetween the spaced-apart ends of the second cover, inclusively. Thespaced-apart end walls of the sidewalls are substantially co-extensivewith the spaced-apart ends of the second cover. For each sled, a fourthunobstructed air flow channel, including the fourth air gaps, extendsbetween the third openings of the ends walls, inclusively.

According to some implementations of the first system, a fifth air gapis defined between the at least one data storage device of one sled andthe at least one data storage device of an adjacent sled. Further, aratio of a thickness of the fifth air gap to the thickness of the firstair gap is less than about 1.5.

In certain implementations of the first system, a ratio of a total flowarea of the first air gap to a total flow area of a fifth air gap can beless than about 1.2, where the fifth air gap is defined between the atleast one data storage device of one sled and the at least one datastorage device of an adjacent sled.

In yet some implementations of the first system, the at least one firstopening is sized such that an open area percentage of the first cover isgreater than about 70%. For each sled, a ratio of a total number offirst openings in the first cover to a total number of data storagedevices removably fixed to the first side of the mounting plate can beless than or equal to about 0.625.

According to certain implementations of the first system, the at leastone first opening has a first dimension in a first direction greaterthan the first dimension of each of the at least one data storage devicein the first direction and has a second dimension in a second direction,perpendicular to the first direction, less than the second dimension ofeach of the at least one data storage device in the second direction.

In another embodiment, a sled for storing a plurality of data storagedevices includes sidewalls defining an interior space having a firstopen end and a second open end opposing the first open end. The sledalso includes a mounting plate that includes opposing first and secondsides, non-movably fixed relative to the sidewalls and positioned withinthe interior space between the first and second open ends. Additionally,the sled includes a first cover movable relative to the sidewallsbetween a closed position, at least partially covering the first openend, and an open position, uncovering the first open end. The firstcover includes at least two first openings and a slat separatingadjacent first openings of the at least two first openings. The sledfurther includes a second cover movable relative to the sidewallsbetween a closed position, at least partially covering the second openend, and an open position, uncovering the second open end. The secondcover includes at least two second openings and a slat separatingadjacent second openings of the at least two second openings. Each slatof the first cover is staggered relative to each slat of the secondcover.

According to some implementations of the sled, the first cover andsecond cover are pivotally coupled to the sidewalls and pivotablerelative to the sidewalls between the closed and open positions.

In yet certain implementations of the sled, the first cover includesspaced-apart sides closed to and defining the at least two firstopenings. The first cover also includes spaced-apart ends open to the atleast two first openings. The second cover includes spaced-apart sidesclosed to and defining the at least two second openings. Also, thesecond cover includes spaced-apart ends open to the at least two secondopenings. The sidewalls include spaced-apart end walls substantiallyco-extensive with the spaced-apart ends of the first cover and thesecond cover. Additionally, the end walls each includes at least onesecond opening.

According to some implementations of the sled, the at least two firstopenings are sized such that an open area percentage of the first coveris greater than about 70%. Also, the at least two second openings aresized such that an open area percentage of the second cover is greaterthan about 70%.

In yet another embodiment, a second system includes sleds. Each sledincludes sidewalls that define an interior space having a first open endand a second open end. The second open end opposes and is spaced apartfrom the first open end. Each sled includes a mounting plate thatincludes opposing first and second sides. The mounting plate isnon-movably fixed relative to the sidewalls and positioned within theinterior space between the first and second open ends of the interiorspace. Furthermore, each sled includes a first cover movable relative tothe sidewalls between a closed position, at least partially covering thefirst open end, and an open position, uncovering the first open end. Thefirst cover includes at least two first openings and a slat separatingadjacent first openings of the at least two first openings. Each sledadditionally includes a second cover movable relative to the sidewallsbetween a closed position, at least partially covering the second openend, and an open position, uncovering the second open end. The secondcover includes at least two second openings and a slat separatingadjacent second openings of the at least two second openings. The secondsystem also includes a plurality of data storage devices removably fixedto each of the first side and second side of each mounting plate of thesleds such that, for each sled, a first air gap is defined between theat least one data storage device and the first side of the mountingplate, a second air gap is defined between the at least one data storagedevice and the at least two first openings of the first cover, a thirdair gap is defined between the at least one data storage device and thesecond side of the mounting plate, and a fourth air gap is definedbetween the at least one data storage device and the at least two secondopenings of the second cover. The sleds are stacked together such thatthe first covers of adjacent sleds are directly adjacent each other,each of the at least two first openings of the first cover of one sledat least partially overlaps the at least two first openings of anadjacent sled, the slats of the first covers of adjacent sleds do notoverlap each other, the second covers of adjacent sleds are directlyadjacent each other, each of the at least two second openings of thesecond cover of one sled at least partially overlaps the at least twosecond openings of an adjacent sled, and the slats of the second coversof adjacent sleds do not overlap each other.

The described features, structures, advantages, and/or characteristicsof the subject matter of the present disclosure may be combined in anysuitable manner in one or more embodiments and/or implementations. Inthe following description, numerous specific details are provided toimpart a thorough understanding of embodiments of the subject matter ofthe present disclosure. One skilled in the relevant art will recognizethat the subject matter of the present disclosure may be practicedwithout one or more of the specific features, details, components,materials, and/or methods of a particular embodiment or implementation.In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognizedin certain embodiments and/or implementations that may not be present inall embodiments or implementations. Further, in some instances,well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown ordescribed in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the subject matter ofthe present disclosure. The features and advantages of the subjectmatter of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent fromthe following description and appended claims, or may be learned by thepractice of the subject matter as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the subject matter may be more readilyunderstood, a more particular description of the subject matter brieflydescribed above will be rendered by reference to specific embodimentsthat are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that thesedrawings depict only typical embodiments of the subject matter and arenot therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the subjectmatter will be described and explained with additional specificity anddetail through the use of the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an array of electronic devices within asled having a cover in a closed position, according to one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the sled of FIG. 1A with the cover inan open position, according to one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an electronic device, depicted as a harddisk drive, with compliant mounting feet, according to one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the sled with electronicdevices of FIG. 1A taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1A, according to oneor more embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a plurality of stacked sleds eachstoring multiple electronic devices, according to one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of two stacked sleds, but showing only theadjacent cover of one of the sleds, according to one or more embodimentsof the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional front view of a portion of the plurality ofstacked sleds of FIG. 4, taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 4, accordingto one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.Appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” andsimilar language throughout this specification may, but do notnecessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. Similarly, the use of theterm “implementation” means an implementation having a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with oneor more embodiments of the present disclosure, however, absent anexpress correlation to indicate otherwise, an implementation may beassociated with one or more embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a system 100 includes a sled 110 and anarray of electronic devices 112 positioned within the sled 110.Generally, the sled 110 is configured to facilitate the storage andprotection of the electronic devices 112, while allowing electronicinterconnectivity with the electronic devices 112 from outside the sled110. Because the sled 110 houses an array of electronic devices 112, thesled 110 can be considered an electronic device array sled. Theelectronic devices 112 can be any of various electronic devices. Forexample, according to some implementations, the electronic devices 112are data storage devices, such as hard disk drives, tape drives,solid-state memory drives, and the like. In implementations where thearray of electronic devices 112 is an array of hard disk drives, thesled 110 can be considered a hard disk drive array sled. The electronicdevice 112 includes an electronic connection 120 (as shown in FIGS. 2and 3) with which the electronic device 112 may be electronically, andat least partially physically, coupled to the sled 110.

As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 3, the sled 110 includes a base 124 and atleast one first cover 114 coupleable to the base 124. In the illustratedimplementation, the sled 110 also includes at least one second cover 115coupleable to the base 124 on an opposite side of the base 124 relativeto the first cover 114. Generally, the electronic devices 112 aremounted to the base 124 and at least partially housed within the base124. The base 124 includes sidewalls 122 and a mounting plate 126 fixedrelative to the sidewalls 122. In the illustrated embodiment, thesidewalls 122 of the base 124 include a pair of elongate sidewalls and apair of end walls 123 at opposing ends of the sidewalls. Each of the endwalls 123 includes a circumferentially enclosed opening 150. Themounting plate 126 can be fixed directly to the sidewalls 122 via any ofvarious fixation techniques, such as fasteners, brackets, mounts,bonding, adhesion, and the like. Moreover, the mounting plate 126 isconfigured to receive and at least partially support the electronicdevices 112 thereon. The mounting plate 126 includes a first side 327 onwhich a first set of electronic devices 112 can be mounted and a secondside 328 on which a second set of electronic devices 112 can be mounted.

In some implementations, each of the first and second sides 327, 328 ofthe mounting plate 126 includes mounting features 128 configured toengage corresponding mounting features, such as mounting feet 119, ofthe electronic devices 112. The mounting feet 119 are resilientlyflexible, in some implementations, to facilitate the movement of theelectronic devices 112 relative to the mounting plate 126. Additionally,the base 124 includes an interior cavity 116 or interior space definedbetween the sidewalls 122. The interior cavity 116 is accessible throughopposing openings 130 defined by opposing open ends of the sidewalls 122(see, e.g., FIG. 3). However, the interior cavity 116 of the base 124can be divided into two portions by the mounting plate 126, with eachportion of the interior cavity 116 being accessible by a respective oneof the openings 130 of the base 124.

As shown in FIG. 3, electronic devices 112 can be mounted to both sides327, 328 of the mounting plate 126 such that electronic devices 112mounted to a top side of the mounting plate 126 are positioned withinone portion of the interior cavity 116, and electronic devices 112mounted to a bottom side of the mounting plate 126 are positioned withinanother portion of the interior cavity 116. In this manner, the sled110, in the illustrated embodiments, can be considered a two-sided sled110. The mounting feet 119 of the electronic devices 112, when engagedwith the mounting features 128 of the mounting plate 126, act to offsetthe electronic devices 112 away from the mounting plate 126.Accordingly, the mounting feet 119 facilitate the creation of an air gap160 defined between each electronic device 112 and the side of themounting plate 126 to which the respective electronic devices 112 aremounted. Air is allowed to flow through the air gaps 160, which receiveand transfer heat away from the electronic devices 112. Generally, thesize (e.g., height or thickness) of each air gap 160 is based on (e.g.,equal to) the size (e.g. height) of the mounting feet 119 of thecorresponding electronic device 112. In some implementations, the sizeof the air gaps 160 on both sides of the mounting plate 126 of a givensled 110 are the same. However, in other implementations, the size ofthe air gaps 160 on both sides of the mounting plate 126 of a given sled110 are different.

Referring to FIG. 6, for each sled 110A-C, opposing unobstructed airflow channels 194, separated by the mounting plate 126 and eachincluding collectively the air gaps 160 on a respective side of themounting plate 126. Both unobstructed air flow channels 194 of each sledextend between and include the openings 150 of the end walls 123 of thebase 124. In this manner, each opening 150 of the end walls 123 of thebase 124 acts as a respective one of an inlet and outlet of theunobstructed air flow channels 194. As defined herein, an unobstructedair flow channel is a channel through which air may flow in a lineardirection unimpeded by, or without encountering, being impacted, orbeing redirected by, an obstacle. Accordingly, as represented in FIG.1A, air flowing in an air flow direction 190 within the air gaps 160defining the air flow channels 194 flows from an inlet opening 150 to anoutlet opening 150 without obstruction.

Each of the covers 114, 115 of the sled 110 is configured to at leastpartially cover a respective one of the openings 130 of the interiorcavity 116 of the base 124. Generally, the covers 114, 115 at leastpartially restrict access to the interior cavity 116 through respectiveopenings 130, when in a closed position (see, e.g., FIG. 1A) and allowunrestricted access to the interior cavity 116 through respectiveopenings 130, when in an open position (see, e.g., FIG. 1B). In someimplementations, the covers 114, 115 have a substantially flat orplanar, thin-walled construction with a thickness 168. Additionally,each of the covers 114, 115 includes spaced-apart sides 146 that overlaya portion of the electronic devices 112 when in the closed position.Accordingly, when in the closed position, the spaced apart sides 146 ofthe covers 114, 115 not only protect the electronic devices 112, butalso help to least partially retain the electronic devices 112 withinthe interior cavity 116, such as when the sled 110 is subject toexcessive vibrations. Each of the covers 114, 115 also includesspaced-apart ends 148 extending transversely relative to the sides 146.As described in more detail below, the ends 148 are at least partiallyopen to allow air flowing through air gaps 162 defined between eachelectronic device 112 and a respective one of the covers 114, 115directly adjacent the electronic device 112. To help retain the covers114, 115 to the open ends of the sidewalls 122 of the base 124, fixedflaps that engage and partially wrap about the sidewalls 122 can becoupled to and extend about the periphery of the covers 114, 115.

According to one embodiment, each of the covers 114, 115 is movablycoupled to the base 124 and movable between the closed and openposition. For example, the covers 114, 115 can be pivotally coupled tothe base 124, such as via a hinge joint, to pivot between the closed andopen position. According to another embodiment, the covers 114, 115 maybe configured like a lid and be removably coupled to the sled 110 toposition the covers in the closed position and removed from the sled toposition the covers in the open position. When in the closed position,the ends 148 of each cover 114, 115 are substantially co-extensive(e.g., substantially co-planar) with the end walls 123 of the base 124.In other words, the covers 114, 115 can have the same length as the base124.

The sled 110 stores any number of electronic devices 112. In FIG. 1B,the sled 110 can store up to eight electronic devices 112 on each sideof the sled 110. The electronic devices 112 on each side of the sled 110collectively define an array of electronic devices 112. According to theillustrated embodiment, the sled 110 has a generally rectangular shape,elongated in a lengthwise direction. Accordingly, the base 124, mountingplate 126, and the covers 114, 115 each has a generally rectangularshape. As shown in FIG. 2, each electronic device 112 can also have agenerally rectangular, or square, shape with a length and width greaterthan a thickness. In other words, each electronic device 112 can have asubstantially flat, box-like, shape. The electronic devices 112 aremounted to the mounting plate 126 in a side-by-side configuration, asopposed to a front-to-back configuration. In other words, the electronicdevices 112 are mounted to the mounting plate 126 such that the lengthand width of the electronic devices 112 are parallel to the length andwidth of the sled 110. Put another way, when multiple sleds 110 arestacked vertically to create a stacked column 170 of sleds (see, e.g.,FIG. 4), the electronic devices 112 on each side of the mounting plates126 of the sleds 110 are arranged horizontally side-by-side.

Referring to FIG. 3, according to some embodiments, the sled 110includes a printed circuit board 210 configured to facilitate electricalconnectivity of the electronic devices 112 stored inside the sled 110 toelectronic components (e.g., computers, servers, etc.) located outsidethe sled. The printed circuit board 210 is compliant to promoteresilient flexibility of the printed circuit board 210 relative to thebase 124. Although not shown, the printed circuit board 210 includeselectrical circuits formed on or in the printed circuit board 210. Theelectrical circuits of the printed circuit board 210 facilitate thetransmission of electrical power or signals therethrough. For example,the printed circuit board can include electrical leads, or an electricalinterface, electrically coupled with electrical traces extending to anexternal electrical interface (also not shown) of the printed circuitboard 210. Such an external electrical interface facilitates electricalinterconnectivity between electronic devices external to the sled 110and the printed circuit board 210.

The sled 110 further includes electrical connectors 316 each coupled tothe printed circuit board 210. In the illustrated embodiment, anelectrical connector 316 is non-movably fixed to the printed circuitboard 210, and thus is co-movable with the printed circuit board 210relative to the base 124. Additionally, an electrical connector 316 iselectrically coupled with electrical leads or an interface of theprinted circuit board 210 to facilitate the transmission of electricalsignals or power between electronic devices external to the sled 110 andthe electrical connectors 316 via the circuitry in the printed circuitboard 210. In some implementations, an electrical connector 316 iselectrically coupled with the printed circuit board 210 to facilitatethe transmission of electrical signals or power between one or moreelectronic devices 112 stored in the sled 110.

Each electrical connector 316 is electrically coupleable with arespective one of the electronic devices 112 stored in the sled 110.Accordingly, each electrical connector 316 can be an electro-mechanicaldevice for joining the electrical circuits of the electronic device 112to the electrical circuits of the printed circuit board 210. The typeand configuration of each electrical connector 316 will correspond tothe type of electrical connector used by the electronic devices 112. Forexample, for a hard disk drive, the electrical connector 316 may be aSAS connector as depicted in the illustrated embodiments.

The sled 110 includes at least one locking mechanism 410 configured toact as a mechanical constraint for mechanically constraining movement ofthe printed circuit board 210, and thus the electrical connectors 316coupled to the printed circuit board 210, relative to the sidewalls 122.The locking mechanism 410 is movably (e.g., slidably, rotatably, etc.)coupled to a sidewall 122 of the sled 110. In other words, the lockingmechanism 410 is fixedly attached to the sidewall 122, but can move(e.g., slide) relative to the sidewall 122. Additionally, the lockingmechanism 410 is movable relative to the printed circuit board 210. Thelocking mechanism 410 is positioned between the printed circuit board210 and the sidewall 122, such that the locking mechanism 410 is movablebetween the printed circuit board 210 and the sidewall 122.

Each locking mechanism 410 includes at least one locking feature 412.Generally, when a locking mechanism 410 is in the locked position, thelocking feature 412 releasably engages the printed circuit board 210 toconstrain or restrict movement, in one or more degrees of freedom, ofthe printed circuit board 210 relative to the sidewalls 122 of the sled110. In one embodiment, the locking feature 412 of a given lockingmechanism 410 releasably engages a tab (not shown) of the printedcircuit board 210 to constrain or restrict movement of the printedcircuit board 210. More specifically, each locking feature 412 can beconfigured as a hook that releasably receives a tab of the printedcircuit board 210 in the hook to constrain movement of the tab and thusthe printed circuit board 210. The locking feature 412 can effectivelywrap around three sides of a tab of the printed circuit board 210 toconstrain or restrict movement of the printed circuit board 210 in atleast three directions. Although the locking feature 412 is depicted asa hook, the locking feature 412 can have other configurations, or useother techniques, to releasably constrain movement of the printedcircuit board 210 and thus the electrical connectors 316.

When a locking mechanism 410 is in the unlocked position, the lockingfeature 412 is not engaged with (e.g., is moved away from) the printedcircuit board 210 and thus does not constrain or restrict movement ofthe printed circuit board 210 and thus the electrical connectors 316.For example, movement of the locking mechanism 410 from the lockedposition to the unlocked position releases the printed circuit board 210from engagement with the locking feature 412. Although the illustratedembodiment depicts the locking mechanism 410 as being directly lockableto the printed circuit board 210, the locking mechanism 410 mayalternatively, or additionally, be lockable directly to the electricalconnectors 316, the printed circuit board 210, or even cables thatconnect the electrical devices 112 to components external to the sled110.

According to some implementations, a locking mechanism 410 includes apush tab 118. The push tab 118 is configured to be engageable with oneof the respective covers 114, 115 when the covers 114, 115 are in theclosed positions (see, e.g., FIG. 3). The push tab 118 of each lockingmechanism 410 extends through an opening in the sidewall 122 to beaccessible to one of the covers 114, 115 for engagement. When the cover114, 115 is moved into the closed position, the cover 114, 115 engagesthe push tabs 118 and moves the push tabs 118 and the associated lockingmechanism 410 into the unlocked position. In other words, the cover 114,115 displaces the push tabs 118 from the cover reception space 132,which concurrently moves the locking mechanism 410 into the unlockedposition to disengage the locking feature 412 from the printed circuitboard 210. Although the illustrated embodiments depict a push tab 118,the locking mechanisms 410 can be moved into the unlocked position bythe cover 114, 115 using other configurations and techniques. Accordingto some implementations, the sled 110 includes at least one biasingelement configured to bias the locking mechanisms 410 into the lockedposition. Referring to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, each biasing elementcan be a spring 322. When the cover 114, 115 is in the closed position,engagement between the cover 114, 115 and the tabs 118 of the lockingmechanism 410 moves the locking mechanism 410 into the unlocked positionand pulls the springs 322 into tension (see, e.g., FIG. 3). The springs322, when in tension, act to bias or urge the locking mechanism 410toward the locked position. Once the cover 114, 115 is moved into theopen position, the cover no longer prevents movement of the lockingmechanism 410 into the locked position, and the induced bias of thesprings 322 urges the locking mechanism 410 into the locked position.

Although depicted as tensionable coil springs, the biasing elements mayutilize other configurations and techniques to mechanically bias thelocking mechanism 410 to either the locked position or the unlockedposition. In some embodiments, the biasing elements may be magnets. Forexample, the magnets may be placed above or below the locking mechanism410 and configured to respectively attract or repel the lockingmechanism 410 into the locked position. Other embodiments may utilizeother mechanical and/or magnetic features to bias the locking mechanism410 into the locked position without departing from the essence of thepresent disclosure.

Although the illustrated embodiments depict the locking mechanism 410moving in response to the opening and closing of the cover 114, 115, insome embodiments the locking mechanism 410 is activated by a manualrelease or other mechanism or by using other configurations andtechniques. For example, in one embodiment, the locking mechanism 410 isactivated via engagement with a pin external to the sled 110. Morespecifically, the sled 110 can be insertable into and removable from arack or enclosure (such as a server rack, server box, or other type ofreceptacle or repository) that includes a pin or analogous engagementelement. With the sled 110 not fully inserted into the rack, the lockingmechanism 410 is mechanically biased by a biasing element (e.g., aspring) into a locked position. With the sled 110 fully inserted intothe rack, the pin engages the locking mechanism 410 to overcome the biasof the spring (e.g., compress the spring) and move the locking mechanism410 into an unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the lockingfeature 412 no longer engages the printed circuit board 210. The springremains compressed, and the locking mechanism 410 stays in the unlockedposition until the sled 110 is removed from the rack, which disengagesthe pin from the locking mechanism 410 and allows the bias of the springto move the locking mechanism 410 back into the locked position. The pincan engage the locking mechanism 410 through an opening in the sled 110.Alternatively, the locking mechanism 410 may include a portion thatextends outside of the base 124 of the sled 110 allowing the pin oranother engagement element of the rack to engage the locking mechanismat a point outside the sled 110.

Each of the covers 114, 115 includes at least two openings 117 spacedapart by respective slats 121. Each opening 117 is defined betweenopposing portions of the sides 146 of a cover and at least one slat 121.Additionally, two of the openings 117 of each cover 114, 115 are furtherdefined between an open portion of a respective one of the ends 148 ofthe corresponding cover. In some implementations in which each cover114, 115 has more than two openings 117, such as illustrated, at leastone of the openings 117 is defined between two slats 121 and interposedbetween two openings 117. Each cover 114, 115 can have any number ofopenings 117 greater than two. For example, in the illustratedembodiment, each cover 114, 115 has five openings 117. The openings 117can have any of various shapes and sizes. In the illustrated embodiment,the openings 117 are generally square or rectangular with a widthdefined between the sides 146 of the cover and a length defined eitherbetween a slat 121 and an end 148 of the cover, or defined between twoslats 121 depending on the location of the opening 117 on the cover. Forexample, each of the openings 117 can have a first dimension in a firstdirection (e.g., lengthwise) greater than the first dimension of anelectronic device 112 in the first direction and has a second dimensionin a second direction (e.g., widthwise), perpendicular to the firstdirection, less than the second dimension of the electronic device 112in the second direction. In some embodiments, the openings 117 aretriangular, circular, or another shape other than rectangular or square.

According to certain implementations, the slats 121 extend substantiallytransversely between the sides 146 of the covers 114, 115 such that thelength of an opening 117 is longer than a width of a slat 121, with alength of a slat 121 being equal to the width of the openings 117.Moreover, in some embodiments, the slats 121 extend between the sides146 of the covers 114, 115 at angles other than 90-degrees relative tothe sides 146.

Similar to the sides 146 of the covers 114, 115, when in the closedposition, the slats 121 are configured to not only protect theelectronic devices 112, but also help to least partially retain theelectronic devices 112 within the interior cavity 116, such as when thesled 110 is subject to excessive vibrations. Accordingly, the number ofopenings 117, and thus the number of slats 121, is dependent on thenumber of electronic devices 112 stored on each side of a sled 110 insome embodiments. For example, in some implementations, the number andsize of the openings 117 is selected such that each electronic device112 stored in the sled 110 is overlaid by at least one slat 121. In oneimplementation, for a given sled 110, a ratio of a total number ofopenings 117 in a cover to a total number of data storage devices 112removably fixed to the corresponding side of the mounting plate 126 isbetween about 0.5 and 0.75. According to a specific implementation, theratio of a total number of openings 117 in a cover to a total number ofdata storage devices 112 removably fixed to the corresponding side ofthe mounting plate 126 is less than or equal to about 0.625.

The openings 117 are sized to achieve a desired open area percentage ofthe covers 114, 115. Generally, according to some embodiments, thedesired open area percentage is the maximum open area percentage allowedwhile still providing sufficient strength and rigidity of the covers, aswell as providing sufficient protection and/or retention of theelectronic devices 112 by the sides 146 and slats 121 of the covers.According to certain implementations, the openings 117 are sized suchthat the open area percentage of each of the covers 114, 115 is greaterthan about 70%. In yet some implementations, the openings 117 are sizedsuch that the open area percentage of each of the covers 114, 115 isgreater than about 85%. As will be explained in more detail below, thehigher the open area percentage of the covers 114, 115, the more airflow space between adjacent sleds 110 is shared by the adjacent sleds110 for dissipating heat from the electronic devices 112 stored in thesleds 110.

Referring to FIG. 6, according to one embodiment, the slats 121 of thecover 114 of a sled 110A-C are staggered relative to the slats 121 ofthe cover 115 of the same sled 110. For example, referring to the sled110A, in the air flow direction 190, although offset in a directionperpendicular to the air flow direction 190, the slat 121 of the cover114 is positioned intermediate or between the slats 121 of the cover115. In other words, when the covers 114, 115 are in the closedposition, the slats 121 of the cover 114 of the sled 110A are not in thesame horizontal plane (e.g., parallel to the air flow direction 190 orin the same vertical plane (e.g., perpendicular to the air flowdirection 190) as the slats 121 of the cover 115 of the sled 110A. Putanother way, in the vertical plane, the slats 121 of the cover 114 ofthe sled 110A do not overlap the slats 121 of the cover 115 of the sled110A. However, although, in the illustrated embodiment, the slats 121 ofthe cover 114 of a sled 110 are staggered relative to the slats 121 ofthe cover 115 of the same sled 110, in other embodiments, the slats 121of the cover 114 of a sled 110 overlay, or are not staggered relativeto, the slats 121 of the cover 115 of the same sled 110.

Still referring to FIG. 6, when the covers 114, 115 are in the closedposition, the electronic devices 112 are mounted to the mounting plate126 such that an air gap 162 is defined between each electronic device112 and a respective one of the covers 114, 115 (e.g., between eachelectronic device 112 and the openings 117 and slats 121 of the covers114, 115). Each air gap 162 includes portions constrained or enclosed bythe slats 121 and portions open to the openings 117. For each sled110A-B, opposing unobstructed air flow channels 196, each includingcollectively the air gaps 162, are defined by a respective one of thecovers 114, 115. Both unobstructed air flow channels 196 of each sledextend between and include open portions of the ends 148 of the covers114, 115. In this manner, each open portion of the ends 148 of thecovers 114, 115 acts as a respective one of an inlet and outlet of theunobstructed air flow channels 196. Therefore, as represented in FIG.1A, air flowing in an air flow direction 192 within the air gaps 162defining the air flow channels 196 flows from an inlet open portion ofan end 148 to an outlet open portion of an opposing end 148 withoutobstruction.

Referring to FIG. 4, the system 100 includes a column 170 of verticallystacked sleds, each being configured according to the sled 110, asdescribed above, with three adjacent sleds being referenced as sleds110A-C. When vertically stacked, the electronic devices 112 of each sled110 are horizontally aligned, and the sleds 110 are vertically aligned.As shown, in some embodiments, the sleds 110 of the column 170 haveequal lengths and widths such that the length and width of the column170 is constant along a height of the column 170. In other words, thesides of the sleds 110 of the column 170 are vertically aligned orco-planar, and the ends of the sleds 110 are vertically aligned orco-planar. The column 170 can be positioned within a larger enclosure orrack alone, or along with one or more additional columns 170.Additionally, in certain embodiments, the column 170 is fixedly securedto the larger enclosure or rack. For example, in one implementation,each sled 110 of the column 170 is individually or independently fixedlysecured to the larger enclosure or rack.

Each sled 110 of the column 170 is positioned immediately adjacent atleast one other sled 110 of the column 170. More specifically, uppermostand lowermost sleds 110 of the column 170 are immediately adjacent onlyone sled 110, while all other sleds 110 of the column 170 areimmediately adjacent, or positioned immediately between, two sleds 110of the column 170. As defined herein, and in reference to a verticallystacked column 170, each first cover 114 of a given sled 110 of thecolumn 170 can be considered a top cover or a bottom cover depending onthe orientation of the sled 110 in the column. Likewise, as definedherein, each second cover 115 of a given sled 110 of the column 170 canbe considered a top cover or a bottom cover depending on the orientationof the sled in the column. In other words, the first cover 114 of a sled110 is not necessarily a top cover, and the second cover 114 of a sled110 is not necessarily a bottom cover. For example, in FIG. 4, the firstcover 114 of the sled 110B is a top cover when vertically stacked in thecolumn 170, and the first cover 114 of the sled 110A, above the sled110B, is a bottom cover when vertically stacked in the column 170.Similarly, the second cover 115 of the sled 110B is a bottom cover whenvertically stacked in the column 170, and the second cover 115 of thesled 110C, below the sled 110B, is a top cover when vertically stackedin the column 170. However, if the entire column 170 was flipped180-degrees, the first cover 114 of the sled 110B would become a bottomcover, the first cover 114 of the sled 110A would become a top cover,the second cover 115 of the sled 110B would become a top cover, and thesecond cover 115 of the sled 110C would become a bottom cover. Althoughnot shown, in some embodiments, the sleds of the column 170 can behorizontally stacked, or stacked in an orientation other than verticalor horizontal, as desired without departing from the essence of thepresent disclosure. In such embodiments, each of the first and secondcovers 114, 115 of each sled is one of a left side cover or a right sidecover, or one of a front cover or a rear cover.

When stacked together to form the column 170, the sleds 110 (or morespecifically the covers of the sleds) are separated by an air gap 166(see, e.g., FIG. 6). In some implementations, where the sleds 110 areindividually fixedly secured to a larger enclosure or rack, or the sleds110 are spaced apart via spacers, the air gap 166 is greater than zero.However, in certain implementations, the sleds 110 are stacked directlyon top of and in contact with each other such that the gap 166 is zero.

As shown in FIG. 6, for implementations where the gap 166 between sleds110 of the column 170 is greater than zero, each gap 166 may act as anair gap with portions constrained or enclosed by the slats 121 andportions open to the openings 117. In some implementations, anunobstructed air flow channel 198, defined by each gap 166, ispositioned between adjacent sleds 110 of the column 170. Air may flow inan air flow direction 290 within the air flow channels 198 withoutobstruction.

Referring again to FIG. 6, when stacked together to form the column 170,an air gap 164 is defined between two directly adjacent electronicdevices 112 of two adjacent sleds 110 of the column 170. For twoadjacent sleds, such as sled 110A and sled 110B, the air gap 164 isdefined as the gap defined by the collective and contiguous open spacesof an air gap 162 and an opening 117 of sled 110A, an air gap 162 and anopening 117 of the adjacent sled 110B, and the air gap 166 between theadjacent sleds 110A, 110B. Each air gap 164 provides a common or sharedopen space between the electronic devices 112 of adjacent sleds 110 ofthe column 170 that promotes intermixing or sharing of air flowingthrough air flow channels 196, 198 as indicated by the additionalreference arrows in FIG. 6. The sharing of air between the electronicdevices 112 improves air flow between the electronic devices 112 and thedissipation of heat from the electronic devices 112.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, when the sleds 110 are stacked togetherto form the column 170, the slats 121 of the covers 114 of the sleds 110directly adjacent each other are staggered (e.g., do not overlap eachother in the same vertical plane), and the slats 121 of the covers 115of the sleds 110 directly adjacent each other are staggered.Correspondingly, when the sleds 110 are stacked together to form thecolumn 170, the openings 117 of the covers 114 of the sleds 110 directlyadjacent each other at least partially overlap each other, in the samevertical plane, and the openings 117 of the covers 115 of the sleds 110directly adjacent each at least partially overlap each other, in thesame vertical plane. Because the slats 121 of adjacent sleds 110 do notoverlap each other, which results in a thinner profile, obstruction toair flow through the gap 164 is reduced compared to overlapping slatswhere the thickness of the profile would be twice as high. Furthermore,the at least partial overlapping of the openings 117 facilitates theformation of the air gap 164 between electronic devices 112 of adjacentsleds 110. According to some implementations, a ratio of the total flowarea of one air gap 160 of a sled 110 to the total flow area of the airgap 164 is less than about 1.2.

In the above description, certain terms may be used such as “up,”“down,” “upwards,” “downwards,” “upper,” “lower,” “horizontal,”“vertical,” “left,” “right,” “over,” “under” and the like. These termsare used, where applicable, to provide some clarity of description whendealing with relative relationships. But, these terms are not intendedto imply absolute relationships, positions, and/or orientations. Forexample, with respect to an object, an “upper” surface can become a“lower” surface simply by turning the object over. Nevertheless, it isstill the same object. Further, the terms “including,” “comprising,”“having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to”unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of itemsdoes not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusiveand/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. Theterms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expresslyspecified otherwise. Further, the term “plurality” can be defined as “atleast two.”

Additionally, instances in this specification where one element is“coupled” to another element can include direct and indirect coupling.Direct coupling can be defined as one element coupled to and in somecontact with another element. Indirect coupling can be defined ascoupling between two elements not in direct contact with each other, buthaving one or more additional elements between the coupled elements.Further, as used herein, securing one element to another element caninclude direct securing and indirect securing. Additionally, as usedherein, “adjacent” does not necessarily denote contact. For example, oneelement can be adjacent another element without being in contact withthat element.

As used herein, the phrase “at least one of”, when used with a list ofitems, means different combinations of one or more of the listed itemsmay be used and only one of the items in the list may be needed. Theitem may be a particular object, thing, or category. In other words, “atleast one of” means any combination of items or number of items may beused from the list, but not all of the items in the list may berequired. For example, “at least one of item A, item B, and item C” maymean item A; item A and item B; item B; item A, item B, and item C; oritem B and item C. In some cases, “at least one of item A, item B, anditem C” may mean, for example, without limitation, two of item A, one ofitem B, and ten of item C; four of item B and seven of item C; or someother suitable combination.

Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “first,” “second,” etc. are usedherein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal,positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which theseterms refer. Moreover, reference to, e.g., a “second” item does notrequire or preclude the existence of, e.g., a “first” or lower-numbereditem, and/or, e.g., a “third” or higher-numbered item.

As used herein, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element,component, or hardware “configured to” perform a specified function isindeed capable of performing the specified function without anyalteration, rather than merely having potential to perform the specifiedfunction after further modification. In other words, the system,apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware“configured to” perform a specified function is specifically selected,created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and/or designed for thepurpose of performing the specified function. As used herein,“configured to” denotes existing characteristics of a system, apparatus,structure, article, element, component, or hardware which enable thesystem, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardwareto perform the specified function without further modification. Forpurposes of this disclosure, a system, apparatus, structure, article,element, component, or hardware described as being “configured to”perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively bedescribed as being “adapted to” and/or as being “operative to” performthat function.

The present subject matter may be embodied in other specific formswithout departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Thedescribed embodiments are to be considered in all respects only asillustrative and not restrictive. All changes which come within themeaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced withintheir scope.

What is claimed is: 1-20. (canceled)
 21. A system, comprising: aplurality of storing means, each comprising: an interior space having afirst open end; mounting means non-movably fixed relative to theinterior space and positioned within the interior space; and firstcovering means movable relative to the interior space between a closedposition, at least partially covering the first open end, and an openposition, uncovering the first open end, wherein the first coveringmeans comprises at least one first opening; and at least one electronicdevice removably fixed to the mounting means such that, for each storingmeans, a first air gap is defined between the at least one electronicdevice and the mounting means, and a second air gap is defined betweenthe at least one electronic device and the at least one first opening ofthe first covering means; wherein the storing means are stacked togethersuch that the first covering means of adjacent storing means aredirectly adjacent each other, and the at least one first opening of thefirst covering means of one storing means at least partially overlapsthe at least one first opening of an adjacent storing means.
 22. Thesystem of claim 21, wherein: the first covering means comprises at leasttwo first openings and separating means separating adjacent firstopenings of the at least two first openings; and the separating means ofthe first covering means of adjacent storing means do not overlap eachother.
 23. The system of claim 21, wherein: the first covering meanscomprises a plurality of first openings; the first covering meanscomprises a plurality of separating means each separating adjacent firstopenings of the plurality of first openings of the first covering means;and the plurality of storing means are stacked together such that theplurality of separating means of the first covering means of one storingmeans are staggered relative to the plurality of separating means of thefirst covering means of an adjacent storing means.
 24. The system ofclaim 21, wherein: the interior space has a second open end opposing andspaced apart from the first open end; the mounting means is positionedbetween the first and second open ends of the interior space; eachstoring means further comprises a second covering means movable relativeto the interior space between a closed position, at least partiallycovering the second open end, and an open position, uncovering thesecond open end, wherein the second covering means comprises at leastone second opening; at least one electronic device is removably fixed tothe mounting means of the plurality of storing means such that for eachstoring means, a third air gap is defined between the at least oneelectronic device and the mounting means, and a fourth air gap isdefined between the at least one electronic device and the at least onesecond opening of the second covering means; and the plurality ofstoring means are stacked together such that the second covering meansof adjacent storing means are directly adjacent each other, and the atleast one second opening of the second covering means of one storingmeans at least partially overlaps the at least one second opening of anadjacent storing means.
 25. The system of claim 24, wherein: the secondcovering means comprises at least two second openings and a separatingmeans separating adjacent second openings of the at least two secondopenings; and the separating means of the second covering means ofadjacent storing means do not overlap each other.
 26. The system ofclaim 21, wherein: the plurality of storing means are verticallystacked; a plurality of electronic devices are removably fixed to themounting means of the plurality of storing means; and the plurality ofelectronic devices are positioned horizontally adjacent each other. 27.The system of claim 26, wherein: the first covering means furthercomprises: spaced-apart sides closed to and defining the at least onefirst opening; and spaced-apart ends open to the at least one firstopening; and for each storing means, a first unobstructed air flowchannel, comprising the second air gaps, extends between thespaced-apart ends of the first covering means, inclusively.
 28. Thesystem of claim 27, wherein: the interior space is defined byspaced-apart end walls substantially co-extensive with the spaced-apartends of the first covering means; the end walls each comprise at leastone third opening; and for each storing means, a second unobstructed airflow channel, comprising the first air gaps, extends between the thirdopenings of the end walls, inclusively.
 29. The system of claim 28,wherein: the interior space has a second open end opposing and spacedapart from the first open end; the mounting means is positioned betweenthe first and second open ends of the interior space; each storing meansfurther comprises a second covering means movable relative to theinterior space between a closed position, at least partially coveringthe second open end, and an open position, uncovering the second openend, wherein the second covering means comprises at least one secondopening, spaced-apart sides closed to and defining the at least onesecond opening, and spaced-apart ends open to the at least one secondopening; the spaced-apart end walls are substantially co-extensive withthe spaced-apart ends of the second covering means; at least oneelectronic device is removably fixed to the mounting means of theplurality of storing means such that for each storing means, a third airgap is defined between the at least one electronic device and themounting means, and a fourth air gap is defined between the at least oneelectronic device and the at least one second opening of the secondcovering means; the plurality of storing means are stacked together suchthat the second covering means of adjacent storing means are directlyadjacent each other, and each of the at least one second opening of thesecond covering means of one storing means at least partially overlapsthe at least one second opening of an adjacent storing means; for eachstoring means, a third unobstructed air flow channel, comprising thethird air gaps, extends between the spaced-apart ends of the secondcovering means, inclusively; and for each storing means, a fourthunobstructed air flow channel, comprising the fourth air gaps, extendsbetween the third openings of the end walls, inclusively.
 30. The systemof claim 21, wherein: a third air gap is defined between the at leastone electronic device of one storing means and the at least oneelectronic device of an adjacent storing means; and a ratio of athickness of the third air gap to the thickness of the first air gap isless than about 1.5.
 31. The system of claim 21, wherein: a third airgap is defined between the at least one electronic device of one storingmeans and the at least one electronic device of an adjacent storingmeans; and a ratio of a total flow area of the first air gap to a totalflow area of the third air gap is less than about 1.2.
 32. The system ofclaim 21, wherein the at least one first opening is sized such that anopen area percentage of the first covering means is greater than about70%.
 33. The system of claim 32, wherein, for each storing means, aratio of a total number of first openings in the first covering means toa total number of electronic devices removably fixed to the mountingmeans is less than or equal to about 0.625.
 34. The system of claim 21,wherein the at least one first opening has a first dimension in a firstdirection greater than the first dimension of each of the at least oneelectronic device in the first direction and has a second dimension in asecond direction, perpendicular to the first direction, less than thesecond dimension of each of the at least one electronic device in thesecond direction.
 35. Storing means for storing a plurality ofelectronic devices, the storing means comprising: an interior spacehaving a first open end and a second open end opposing the first openend; mounting means non-movably fixed relative to the interior space andpositioned within the interior space between the first and second openends; a first covering means movable relative to the interior spacebetween a closed position, at least partially covering the first openend, and an open position, uncovering the first open end, wherein thefirst covering means comprises at least two first openings andseparating means separating adjacent first openings of the at least twofirst openings; and a second covering means movable relative to theinterior space between a closed position, at least partially coveringthe second open end, and an open position, uncovering the second openend, wherein the second covering means comprises at least two secondopenings and separating means separating adjacent second openings of theat least two second openings; wherein each separating means of the firstcovering means is staggered relative to each separating means of thesecond covering means.
 36. The storing means of claim 35, wherein thefirst covering means and second covering means are pivotable relative tothe interior space between the closed and open positions.
 37. Thestoring means of claim 35, wherein: the first covering means furthercomprises: spaced-apart sides closed to and defining the at least twofirst openings; and spaced-apart ends open to the at least two firstopenings; and the second covering means further comprises: spaced-apartsides closed to and defining the at least two second openings; andspaced-apart ends open to the at least two second openings.
 38. Thestoring means of claim 37, wherein: the interior space is defined byspaced-apart end walls substantially co-extensive with the spaced-apartends of the first covering means and the second covering means; and theend walls each comprises at least one second opening.
 39. The storingmeans of claim 35, wherein: the at least two first openings are sizedsuch that an open area percentage of the first covering means is greaterthan about 70%; and the at least two second openings are sized such thatan open area percentage of the second covering means is greater thanabout 70%.
 40. A system, comprising: a plurality of storing means, eachcomprising: an interior space having a first open end and a second openend opposing and spaced apart from the first open end; mounting meansnon-movably fixed relative to the interior space and positioned withinthe interior space between the first and second open ends of theinterior space; a first covering means movable relative to the interiorspace between a closed position, at least partially covering the firstopen end, and an open position, uncovering the first open end, whereinthe first covering means comprises at least two first openings andseparating means separating adjacent first openings of the at least twofirst openings; and a second covering means movable relative to theinterior space between a closed position, at least partially coveringthe second open end, and an open position, uncovering the second openend, wherein the second covering means comprises at least two secondopenings and separating means separating adjacent second openings of theat least two second openings; and a plurality of electronic devicesremovably fixed to the mounting means of the plurality of storing meanssuch that, for each storing means, a first air gap is defined betweenthe at least one electronic device and the mounting means, a second airgap is defined between the at least one electronic device and the atleast two first openings of the first covering means, a third air gap isdefined between the at least one electronic device and the mountingmeans, and a fourth air gap is defined between the at least oneelectronic device and the at least two second openings of the secondcovering means; wherein the plurality of storing means are stackedtogether such that the first covering means of adjacent storing meansare directly adjacent each other, each of the at least two firstopenings of the first covering means of one storing means at leastpartially overlaps the at least two first openings of an adjacentstoring means, the separating means of the first covering means ofadjacent storing means do not overlap each other, the second coveringmeans of adjacent storing means are directly adjacent each other, eachof the at least two second openings of the second covering means of onestoring means at least partially overlaps the at least two secondopenings of an adjacent storing means, and the separating means of thesecond covering means of adjacent storing means do not overlap eachother.